Ella G. Hamilton

Ella Grimes Hamilton, affectionately known as “Chris” to her family, was born in Pitt County, North Carolina, in 1947. Rooted in faith from an early age, she was baptized at Haddock’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Winterville, North Carolina where she received an early spiritual grounding that shaped her lifelong commitment to service, learning, and community. Ella continued to be a dedicated woman of faith as a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland where she served as lay leader and guided others with her faith and compassion. Ella graduated from Robinson Union High School, with honors, in Winterville, North Carolina, in 1964 and continued her education at North Carolina College at Durham (now known as North Carolina Central University), earning her Bachelor of Arts in May 1968. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she began what would become a distinguished forty year career as an educator and administrator in Baltimore City Public Schools. She also served as an adjunct professor at Coppin State University, nurturing future educators with her wisdom, patience, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Her service extended beyond the classroom. Ella was a steadfast advocate for teachers’ rights, serving on the executive board of the Baltimore Teachers Union and as a dedicated member of the Union’s Progressive Caucus, where she championed fairness, professional respect, and equitable working conditions for educators across the city. Committed to lifelong learning, Ella earned her Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from Morgan State University in 1999, further strengthening her impact as a leader in the field. She retired from Baltimore City Public Schools in 2008 but remained deeply engaged in her community. She was a proud, committed sister of the Iota Chapter of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Incorporated, where her leadership and love enriched all who knew her. Since her initiation in 1987, Ella held several positions at both the local and national levels. Ella frequently spoke fondly of her loving circle of friends she affectionately called “The Sisters,” a cherished group with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and unwavering support. Ella departed this life peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, enveloped in the presence of God. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Louis Grimes and Ella Jane Grimes; her brothers, Joseph Grimes and Willie Grimes; and her son, Raiford Hamilton, Jr. She is survived by her son Christopher Hamilton (Sonja); her grandchildren Makayla and Ethan; her sister Gloria Short of Greenville, North Carolina; her brother George Grimes (Thelma) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; her niece Valarie Dargan; her nephews Raymond Short (Veronica); George Grimes, Jr., Robert Grimes (Keyshanda), her grand nieces and nephew; her great-grand niece and nephew, her former husband Raiford Hamilton, Sr.; and a host of extended family and friends whose lives were touched by her grace, generosity, and steadfast devotion. Ella’s life was a testament to faith, service, advocacy, sisterhood, and the quiet strength of a woman committed to uplifting others. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Tributes

Ella G. Hamilton

January 4, 1947 - August 6, 2026